Named WWII War Medal. Captain Helson IA. Outram Rifles.

WWII War Medal named to Captain G Helson IA

Upon research, we find a G Helson, commissioned in 1920. LG 10/02/1920. 

2/123 Outram Rifles.

Acting Captain 6/9/1919.

Outram Rifles WWI

The regiment raised further battalions during the course of the First World War, seeing extensive service in the Middle East, with some soldiers attached to other units. Many of the regiment’s soldiers also saw service on the Western Front while attached to other units.

After the Palestine campaign began in 1917, the regiment joined the 234th Brigade, 75th Division. Outram’s Rifles were involved in, among others, the Third Battle of Gaza, begun on 31 October 1917, and the Megiddo Offensive in September 1918. War came to an end in the Middle East with the signing of an Armistice with the Ottomans on 30 October 1918.

Post WWI

After the war ended, the regiment was involved in efforts to quell an Arab rebellion that broke out in 1920 in the British Mandate of Iraq against the British administration. As part of the reforms of the Indian forces, Outram’s Rifles were amalgamated in 1922 with five other regiments, including the 125th Napier’s Rifles, to form the 6th Rajputana Rifles. The 123rd became the 4th Battalion (Outram’s).

The 4th Battalion/6th Rajputana Rifles had the distinction of earning two Victoria Crosses during WWII.